Thelma began writing her life's story on July 3, 1933. When the world could no longer afford her a home, Thelma Lewis Wheeler peacefully joined the legion of angels making her final entry in the Book of life on March 28, 2022. Thelma was born to the late William "Jimbo" Lewis and Mary Magdalene "Maggie" Martin Lewis. After the death of her mom, at three months old, she soon became the heartbeat of both sets of grandparents and the "community of parents and caregivers "who shared the responsibility of nurturing her to adulthood. On December 25th 1959, she married the love of her life the late Clarence J. Wheeler. Thelma leaves to cherish her memory a son, Clarence L. Wheeler; a granddaughter, Jazmine Wheeler and two great-grandchildren, SaLaya Stogdon and King Satterfield; first cousins, Jean Lightner, Sonja Dickerson, Henri Martin (Shirley) Millicent Nash, Lenora Ingram, Corrine Kinebrew, Adolphus Pendergraft (Gwen), Danna Jackson, Allen Lewis and host of other relatives and friends.

Thelma graduated from Campbell County Training School in 1951. She received an Associate Degree from Norfolk State College and a Bachelor of Science Degree from St. Paul College. After graduation, "Miss Thelma Lewis" returned to Campbell County to begin a teaching career with the Campbell County Public School System. As an educator for 35 years, Mrs. Thelma Lewis Wheeler left a lasting educational impact on kindergarteners and first graders in Campbell County. Her prized possession was the scrapbook she kept of her students. When former students would recognize her, they would say "Miss Lewis" or Mrs. Wheeler, "do you remember me" and of course, she would always say "yes."

Thelma accepted the Lord at an early age. She was baptized and joined the Long Mountain Baptist Church. Her faith in God allowed her to navigate life's various victories and challenges with confidence, grace, and dignity. As an active member of Long Mountain, she served as a deaconess, trustee, choir member, clerk, and financial secretary. Thelma was creative and enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and ceramics. Thelma enjoyed planting flowers and seeing things grow, although, in her later years, her pots were arrayed with artificial flowers because they required less work. Sitting outside on the porch gave her great pleasure as it allowed her to see who or what was going on in the neighborhood and especially on "Country Road". Her eyes were "always to the window".

Thelma was quite the Diva, it is her final chapter that gives us courage. Her determination demonstrated the fierce spirit of the late Susie Martin and an uncompromising belief that 'The Lord was her Shepard', that gives us joy and peace to say so long for now. There are many things we will miss over the coming years, but we are reminded from the words of the late Annie Wood:

"Farwell, goodbye, seems hard to say the very thought brings tears.

But, we shall meet again someday at the end of the coming years."

We look forward to that reunion. Your family, friends and care givers say 'Thank You' for making us a part of your life's story. Rest in Peace.

A homegoing celebration will be held 2PM Sunday, April 10, 2022, at Long Mountain Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM Saturday, April 09, 2022, at Davis-Turner Funeral Service. Interment will be in the Martin Family cemetery. Service of comfort rendered by Davis-Turner Funeral Service.